Jo's knees buckled as the warm, wet softness curled around her breast, and she cried out even as Cadie's arms quickly wrapped around her in support. The blonde moved them so the bed was against the back of Jo's knees and they dropped together, Cadie still suckling. Jo pulled her down on top of her and wrapped her tighter. "Oh, God, Arcadia, what are you doing to me?" Jo murmured, overwhelmed by the aching tug as Cadie alternated between one breast and the other, teasing with kisses and nibbles.
"Loving you," the blonde mumbled.
Jo reached down and took the younger woman's face in her hands, gently pulling her up. "Come here, so I can kiss you," she urged and Cadie quickly complied, sliding herself up the long, supple body beneath her. They kissed deeply, Jo taking the opportunity to undo the front-fastening of the blonde's bra, slipping her hand quickly under the fabric till she found a hard nub pressing against her palm. She caught it between her thumb and forefinger and squeezed gently, but relentlessly.
Cadie tore her mouth away and cried out as she arched, pushing herself up on her hands. Jo smiled at the intensity of the blonde's reaction, adoring the expression on the American's face as she teased and tweaked and rolled her nipple. Soon they were kissing again. Cadie's hand frantically worked on Jo's belt buckle, flicked it aside and slid the zipper down. Urgently, almost roughly, she wiggled her hand under the layers of fabric, marveling at the strong bands of muscle twitching under her fingers. Soon she was stroking through soft curls, then strongly cupping Jo's heat.
"Ohhh." Jo arched upward into the pressure from Cadie's fingers. She wanted more, so much more, but the blonde withdrew. Jo's eyes flickered open. "No, don't stop," she beseeched, but Cadie was standing next to the bed, fumbling with the fastening of her own jeans.
"I can't stand it anymore, Jo," Cadie muttered. "I have to be naked with you." She pushed down her jeans and panties, stepping out of them as Jo hurried to remove the rest of her own clothes.
Soon—finally—nothing separated them and both women reveled in the feel of skin on skin. Urgency, tempered by weeks of curiosity and desire, made them explore, tease, and tantalize each other until there was nowhere to go but forward. They traveled the contours and folds of each other's bodies with hands and mouths.
"Jossandra," Cadie murmured.
"Yes, my love," Jo replied, her mouth close to Cadie's ear, her low growl pulling an invisible chain attached to the blonde's center.
"Mmm," she responded. "Touch me, please, Jo-Jo. I need you to touch me."
Jo pulled back a little, looking deep into green eyes darkened by desire. She smiled slowly, trying to contain the nervous butterflies jangling in her stomach. She slid her hand under Cadie's shoulders, cradling the blonde close. Her right hand began a meandering journey down Cadie's midline, teasing her belly button, circling the points of her hipbones. Finally her fingertips came to rest at the edge of the blonde's curls.
By now Cadie's hips were moving of their own accord, and it was all Jo could do to stop herself plunging ahead. Instead she ducked her head and captured the blonde's nipple between her teeth, biting down gently. Cadie keened her response, arching again under her. Jo felt the blonde's hand on her wrist, pushing and urging her further. This time the dark-haired woman didn't resist, sliding her fingers through damp curls until she felt herself dipping into warm, moist folds, an exquisite sensation that threatened to tip her over the edge.
"Mmm, you are so wet, sweetheart," she whispered against Cadie's mouth. Her fingers found and teased the blonde's swollen nub, each flicker causing Cadie's hips to jerk.
"God, Jo, don't stop, please, don't stop," Cadie panted, riding the growing tide of sensation welling up between her legs. She slid an arm around Jo's waist and pulled her closer.
"Oh, I'm not going to stop, baby," Jo promised. She let her fingers dance over the sensitive bundle of nerves, then teased Cadie's entrance before returning, knowing instinctively what would drive the blonde to the brink. Cadie rocked against her, eyes closed, her breath coming fast and shallow between moans. Jo's own desire raged and she fought to keep control, wanting instead to concentrate on giving her partner pleasure. I want this to be perfect for you, my angel.
"Yes, Jo, please," Cadie almost yelped as she felt Jo's fingertips dip a little further inside her. "Please, baby, I want you inside me."
Jo groaned and slid her thigh between Cadie's, pressing her hand tighter against the blonde's wetness. She waited, reading Cadie's movements and then took her chance, plunging deep inside her with two long, strong fingers, her thumb resuming its teasing motions against her clitoris.
"Ohhh, Jo," Cadie sighed, pressing herself hard against the dark-haired woman's fingers.
"Yes, darling," Jo crooned, her own climax threatening as Cadie's frantic movements under her pushed her wetness rhythmically against the blonde's thigh. "Yes, sweetheart, come for me."
Cadie's consciousness was focused solely on the feel of the woman above her, around her and inside her. She suckled and nuzzled Jo's neck, no longer aware of her own body's movements, instead entranced by the building ache that seemed to flow like fire from Jo's fingertips. Just... got... to... let... it... go, her mind insisted.
She realized with a jolt that Jo was just as close as she was, the taller woman sliding wetly against her thigh even as her fingers continued to thrust inside Cadie. Jo voiced her passion in low moans close to Cadie's ear and suddenly the blonde was right on the brink.
"Jo-Jo, baby, come with me. Come with me, darling."
Jo answered with a groan that coursed through Cadie, tripping her over the edge. The dam broke and she was awash with pure sensation that blossomed deep in her guts and spread in waves that opened her wide.
Jo waited until she felt Cadie's climax rip through her and then, a half-second later, she plummeted over the edge after her. They rocked and slid and convulsed together, their cries mingling and spurring each other on until, finally, inexorably, their movements slowed. They were nose-to-nose, breathless, sweaty, and wide-eyed at their mutual experience.
"Wow," Jo whispered, searching the hooded green eyes below her. "Have you ever..."
Cadie shook her head weakly, bathing in the glow of the dazed blue orbs gazing into hers. "Never," she said, trying to catch her breath, still feeling the throbbing deep inside her. Oh no, Naomi never made me feel like this. "Have you?"
"No." Jo collapsed onto her and the blonde carefully wrapped her arms around the skipper, pulling her close and cuddling softly against her.
"Wow," she whispered.
Jo felt a month's worth of tension rush to the surface on the heels of her physical release. Safe in Cadie's arms, she was powerless to stop the sudden, silent sobs from wracking her body. She buried her face against Cadie's neck and held on for dear life.
"It's okay, sweetheart," Cadie soothed, stroking the older woman's silky hair as she held her close. "Let it out, baby, just let it out." She felt Jo take a long, ragged breath and then, finally, she let loose, giving voice to her tears. "That's it, angel," Cadie crooned.
After a few minutes, Jo's breath came less roughly, and she slid to one side. Cadie reached out and brushed away the last of the tears. "Thank you," Jo whispered.
"For what?" Cadie kissed the end of her nose softly.
"I'm not sure," Jo replied uncertainly, caressing the blonde's stomach as they lay side by side.
"You've never felt safe enough to cry in another woman's arms before, have you, Jo-Jo?"
Jo shook her head mutely, emotion closing her throat suddenly. Cadie saw the helpless look cross Jo's face and she pulled her close again. "You're always safe with me, darling," she said.
"God, you are beautiful," Jo murmured as she leaned on an elbow, gazing down at Cadie, whose blonde locks spilled across the pillow. She traced the flush that rose on the American's skin with a fingertip, watching the goose bumps rising behind it.
Cadie's own fingers were busy, tracing lazy circles around Jo's breast, closing in on her nipple, and then moving out ag
ain. Slowly they began moving against each other once more, legs entwined, Jo half-pinning the smaller woman under her.
"So are you, my love," Cadie replied, entranced by the soft blush that adorned Jo's angular cheeks. She wrapped her arms around the taller woman and pushed up, rolling them both over until she leaned over Jo. Then she began leaving a fiery trail of kisses between her breasts, teasing soft skin with her tongue as she slid down the long body under her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Jo growled softly.
Cadie lifted her head long enough to gaze frankly at her lover. "I want to taste you, darling," she whispered honestly.
"Ohhhhhh myyyyy," Jo responded as a shot of pure lust surged through her at the blonde's words. Cadie slid lower, trailing her tongue over skin suddenly covered in goose bumps. "Ohhh, it's going to be a long night," Jo murmured happily.
An evil chuckle was the blonde's only verbal response.
"Paul, relax will you? You're making me nervous just looking at you." Jo watched the tall crewman pacing the confined space of the Seawolf's cockpit like a caged lion. "I don't know what you're so tense about, anyway. We're in the middle of the ocean, and the bride's already on board. She's not gonna stand you up, mate."
"That's not the point, Skipper," Paul growled as he passed her for the millionth time in the last 10 minutes. "This is a big deal. This is for life, you know? Life." He paused and looked her in the eye for emphasis on the last word.
Jo couldn't help giggling. "Oh come on, Paulie. You can't tell me you're having doubts about this? You adore Jen. We all know. Hell, some of us have known it for months. Come to think of it, you were probably the last to know. But I know you, mate. And I've never seen you happier since you proposed to her." She watched as he resumed his pacing. "Snap out of it."
He stopped in his tracks and turned on his heel to face her. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Skipper. I'm just nervous, is all."
Jo beamed at him and shrugged. "What's to be nervous about, mate?" she reassured him. "Take a look around." She gestured at their surroundings. "It's a gorgeous day. The boat is packed full of your best friends. We're in the middle of Heart Reef. And any minute now, Jen is going to come up that companionway looking stunning. What more could you ask for?"
He nodded. "You're right. I know you're right," he said. "Thanks, Skip."
"Hey, that's what a best man is for, right?" She grinned at the big man. "Go talk to Marilyn." She pushed him in the direction of Airlie Beach's resident eccentric and marriage celebrant, who was communing with nature near the stern. "Make sure she hasn't lost the vows."
"Jesus, you don't think she's—" He caught sight of Jo's face and realized he was being teased. "I'll get you for that, Skipper."
Below decks Cadie was putting the final touches on Jenny's bridal bouquet. Much to her surprise the Seawolf hostess had asked her to be her only attendant for the ceremony, a gesture Cadie very much appreciated.
I feel very at home here already, she thought with a smile as she handed the finished bouquet to Jenny. And these two good people have been a big part of that. A quick trip to the dress shops of Airlie had turned up a simple but gorgeous summer dress in just the right shade to complement Jenny's bridal outfit. It also happened to set off the green of Cadie's eyes, and all in all she was pleased with the effect.
Living in this kind of weather all year round is going to suit me Just fine. She gave herself a quick appraisal in the main cabin's mirror, noting her healthy tan. Beat's the hell out of winter in the Midwest, that's for sure.
She turned as Jenny came out of the tiny bathroom. "Ready?" Cadie grinned at the brunette.
"As I'll ever be," Jenny replied, smiling. "Come on, let's go get me hitched, before the big dope changes his mind. He's been fretting for days."
Cadie laughed. "I think he was hoping you wouldn't notice."
Jenny snorted. "The man's been going to the bathroom every three hours for the past four days. It's been kind of hard not to notice." They both giggled. "Let's go put him out of his misery, shall we?"
Cadie walked out ahead of the bride, keying the stereo with the quiet background music Jenny and Paul had selected for the ceremony.
Jo hurriedly moved the nervous groom into position as she heard the music begin. The small crowd of friends and family who had been milling about the Seawolf s deck gathered around and she took up her position to Paul's right. The marriage celebrant stood at the stern facing forward.
Cadie came up on deck and Jo, who hadn't yet seen her new outfit, took a deep breath, and drank in the sight of the lovely blonde. The American caught the skipper's eye as she walked to Paul's left and smiled shyly, reading Jo's rapt expression accurately.
With all due respect to Jenny, Jo thought, I know who the most beautiful woman here today is—and she's mint. She slowly became aware that she had the silliest of grins on her face. And I'm sure that everyone here knows that I think so.
Cadie laughed quietly at the dumbstruck expression on her lover's face as she stood waiting for Jenny to take her place beside Paul. Damn, she looks wonderful, Cadie mused as she took in Jo's stylish grey silk pantsuit that nicely complemented Paul's suit. She certainly knows how to dress. She tried hard to refocus as Marilyn started proceedings.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the love of Jenny and Paul," the celebrant began.
I wish we could do this, Jo thought, keeping her eyes firmly locked on Cadie's. She let the celebrant's words flow over her, concentrating instead on feeling the connection between herself and the beautiful blonde across the way. I know we can do the commitment ceremony thing any time we want to, but... Green eyes smiled back at her. Twelve years with Naomi is a long time. She wouldn't want to tie herself down to someone else so soon after that. Jo recognized her cue and handed Paul the tiny box containing the wedding rings. Would she?
Cadie watched as Jo waited for Paul to take both rings out of the box and then tucked the small velvet container back into her pocket. Would she ever want go through a ceremony like this with me? We haven't talked much about her past girlfriends. She blinked a couple of times at the thought. We haven't talked about it at all. I don't really know how she feels about this sort of commitment. She listened as Jenny and Paul exchanged their vows. I know there isn't anyone else I want to spend my life with. But I'm not sure she wants that. Jenny slid the ring on Paul's finger and Cadie smiled. Does she?
"And now Jenny and Paul have a rather unusual request to make of you all," the marriage celebrant said. The bride and groom turned to face the guests and Jo and Cadie did the same, exchanging smiling glances. "You are all here today because you are cherished friends and family of these two. Are you willing to offer them both friendship, love, care, and support as they make their way through life together?"
There was barely a pause before the resounding response came from all on board. "We do!"
Jo couldn't take her eyes off Cadie as the ceremony ended and her heart melted as she realized the blonde was having the same problem. Jenny and Paul wandered off to be congratulated by the rest of the guests and the two lovers clasped hands as they met behind them.
"You look stunning," Cadie whispered as Jo leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.
"And you take my breath away," Jo replied softly, wishing they could be alone. Both took a few seconds to absorb the warmth between them.
"So what's the plan?" Cadie asked.
"Well, we party on here while we sail to Hayman Island, where we drop Paul and Jen off at the resort." She grinned. "And then Rosa and Roberto have invited us to dinner at their place." She indicated the gregarious Italian couple who were laughing with Paul and Jenny further forward. She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. "I think they want to meet my new girlfriend."
"Oh, Lord," Cadie sighed. "Rosa's already met me, remember?" She winced, recalling that ugly night.
"Mhmm, but this time she wants to meet you as la parte della famiglia—part of the family," Jo replied with a reassuring smile.<
br />
"Oh, Lord."
Cadie couldn't believe how much food there was on the table. She and Jo were the Palmieri's only guests but... There has to be enough here to feed 20people, the blonde wondered, awestruck. I didn't even know there were this many kinds of pasta.
"Honey," a sexy, low whisper came close to her ear. "Don't look so scared. It's only spaghetti."
Cadie giggled, but whispered back. "Tell me that when I've exploded and they're scraping me off the walls."
Jo laughed and slid her hand to Cadie's knee and squeezed reassuringly. "S'all right, sweetheart," she said. "I'll make sure Rosa doesn't stuff you beyond your limits." She grinned.
"Gee, thanks," Cadie sighed. Just then Rosa and Roberto came back into the room, each carrying another enormous platter of food. "Good grief," Cadie whispered, eyes widening. Jo sniggered.
"Here we are, here we are," Rosa exclaimed, putting her dish down on one of the few remaining clear spots on the overloaded table. "Come, come, Arcadia, help yourself, please." She began spooning indiscriminate tablespoons of pasta and sauce onto Cadie's plate.
"Wow, Mrs. Palmieri, this is an amazing spread," Cadie said, smiling at the woman.
"Ah, ah, ah, mia piccola principessa," said Rosa, wagging a finger at the American admonishingly. "I have already told you, you must call me Rosa. Everybody, they call me Rosa." She walked behind Jo's chair, ruffling the tall skipper's hair as she went. "Even this one."
"I'll try to remember, Rosa, thank you," Cadie said graciously.
Further conversation was made impossible by the tumultuous arrival of Rosa's youngest, 12-year-old Sophie, dragging her older brother Tony by the hand. "See, I told you they were here, Tony," the youngster squealed in delight, letting the young man's hand go and leaping onto Jo's lap.
The skipper happily absorbed the impact. "Hello, possum, how are you?" she asked as she tickled the squirming girl.
"I'm good." Big brown eyes took in Cadie's presence. "Aren't ya gonna introduce me, Jo-Jo?" she asked cheekily, grinning.
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